Apomorphine

/ˌæpəˈmɔrfiːn/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound derived from morphine that acts as a dopamine agonist and is used medically to treat Parkinson's disease and certain other conditions.

Etymology

From apo- (Greek 'away from') + morphine. Synthesized in the 19th century by heating morphine, creating a dehydrated version of the molecule that has distinct pharmacological properties.

Kelly Says

Apomorphine is a medical marvel—it's made by essentially 'stripping down' morphine, and the resulting compound became one of the most effective treatments for Parkinson's by nudging dopamine receptors in the brain.

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